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PR No. 214
PRESS RELEASE
SPEAKER PALESTINIAN PARLIAMENT TO VISIT PAKISTAN
Islamabad 18th March, 2010On invitation of Chairman Senate Farooq H. Naek, the Speaker of Palestinian Parliament, Mr. Saleem Allzanoun will soon visits Pakistan. The dates of visit will be decided according to the mutual convenience. This transpired in a meeting of Palestinian Ambassador Dr. Hazem Abu Shanab with Chairman Senate at Parliament House.
Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek has mentioned the age old relations of people of Pakistan with the people of Palestine which have stood the test of time and assured the Ambassador that Pakistan will continue its unflinching support for the cause of Palestinian people and independence of Palestinian State.
He further added that the Parliaments representing the will and the aspirations of masses can promote closer collaboration amongst the countries and the people. He stressed the need of closer collaboration between the Parliaments of Pakistan and Palestine. During the meeting, Farooq H. Naek also invited the Speaker of Palestinian Parliament, Mr. Saleem Allzanoun on telephone to visit Pakistan along with the parliamentary delegation.
The Palestinian Speaker thanked the Chairman Senate for extending invitation and added that it would be an occasion of immense delight for him to visit brotherly Islamic country and to meet the fellow parliamentarians. The Speaker of Palestinian Parliament termed Pakistan as his second home and lauded the help and unequivocal support of Pakistan for Palestinian people throughout history. It may be noted that the Speaker of Palestinian Parliament is also the Speaker of the Arab Parliament.
**RAQ/Ahmad**
PR No. 215
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 18th March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed the Ministry of Finance to expedite the release of funds allocated for the Mangala Dam raising project for its timely completion and payment to the affectees.
He expressed satisfaction over the pace of work on the project and hoped that with the completion of this mega scheme the country’s water storing capacity would be considerably enhanced and additional mega watts would be available for the national grid.
The Prime Minister was talking, President AJK, Raja Zulqarnian Khan and Prime Minister AJK, Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider who called on him at PM’s House here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister also instructed the AJK Government for effective and timely utilization of the PSDP allocations to ensure immediate relief to the people.
Reiterating Pakistan’s principled stand on the Kashmir issue, the Prime Minister said the resolution of dispute in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people could help efforts for peace and economic prosperity of the South Asian region.
The Prime Minister was briefed on the progress of ongoing development activates in AJK. He was also apprised about the forthcoming visit of Kashmiri leaders, Syed Ali Shah Gilani, Mir Waiz Umar Farooq and Mr. Yaseen Malik to Pakistan and their proposed schedule of meeting.
The Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Mian Manzoor Ahmed Watto was also present during the meeting.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 216
PRESS RELEASE
Kakar discusses HBFC cooperation in housing projects with officials
Islamabad 18th March, 2010Federal Minister for Housing & Works, Rehmatullah Kakar held a meeting with the Chairman, House Building Finance Cooperation (HBFC) Mr. Azhar A. Jaffery and MD, Mr. Khalid Aftab in the Ministry and discussed prospects of cooperation in the housing projects under Prime Minister’s housing program.
The HBFC officials briefed the Minister about the various aspects of the financial assistance to be provided to the low income group and federal government employees in acquiring and construction of housing units. It was told that the HBFC is already extending financial assistance to the government servants and general public providing loans in easy installments at affordable markup in collaboration with the National Bank of Pakistan.
The HBFC officials further informed that a survey of the housing projects would be conducted to assess the financial assistance to be required for the purpose.
The Minister said HBFC financial assistance in the housing projects would speed up the ongoing construction activities in order to accomplishment of the national task as quickly as possible.
The Minister said that the government was encouraging and facilitating the local and foreign investors and construction companies to participate in the housing projects under Prime Minister’s Housing for All Program under which one million housing units would be built on affordable cost across the country.
Secretary Housing briefed the meeting about the various housing projects launched by the government under Prime Minister’s housing program in various places of Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and other cities.
**MN/Ahmad**
PR No. 217
PRESS RELEASE
HMC A FIRST EVER LOCAL COMPANY WHO HAS DESIGNED A FIRST EVER CHEMICAL RECOVERY BOILER
Islamabad 18th March, 2010Heavy Mechanical Complex (HMC) Taxila has designed and has been fabricating a Chemical Recovery Boiler (CRB) a paper pulp mill. This is the first ever CRB being designed by a local company and shall also be the first boiler to be installed by a paper pulp mill in the country which is another milestone it has achieved, according to documents received to Ministry of Industries and Production regarding achievements of HMC during 2009. CRB uses black liquor waste from pulp plant as fuel for generating steam for power generation and process use and also recovers useful chemicals for re-use in the pulp mill process.
HMC has completed very successfully supplies for 8000 TCD sugar plant equipment for a local company. The plant has been exported by the buyer for installation in Ethiopia. This is the 4th. Sugar plant supplied by HMC for export.
HMC completed supplies for 102 meters high steel tower along with pressure vessels for reduction furnace for Twairiqi Steel Mills being installed at Bin Qasim, Karachi.
HMC is also in the process of preparing a proposal for up-gradation of its aged facilities to undertake manufacture of turbines along with other power plants equipment. This will ensure reduction of time and cost in establishment of power plants, to meet the energy requirements of the country.
**MAB/Ahmad**
PR No. 218
PRESS RELEASE
Pak-Saudi governments agree to COMBAT terrorism collectively
Islamabad 18th March, 2010The Government of Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to fight war on terror with collective efforts in order to revive the true and soft image of Islam in the World. Both the countries have decided to launch a comprehensive campaign for educating the masses about the real essence of Islam by adopting radical measures through joint working group of both Muslim countries. Exchange of Ulema and religious scholars was decided between the two countries to promote the interaction of people of the both brotherly countries.
This was decided in a meeting of 3-member delegation of kingdom of Saudi Arabia led by H.E. Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Al Ammar, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Minister of State for Religious Affairs, Ms. Shagufta Jumani here today.
Welcoming the Saudi delegation, the Minister of State expressed her pleasure of the visit of KSAS Dy. Minister and informed that the people of Pakistan have close attachments with the people of Saudi Arabia, adding that Pakistanis considered Saudi Arabia as their second home. She also lauded the role of Saudi government for providing special facilities to the Pakistani Hajj Pilgrims during the Hajj operation.
She also condemned the current wave of terrorism and informed the delegation that the present government is fully determined to eliminate the terrorists and sought the Saudi support to fight collectively the war on terror. She apprised the delegation that having multiethnic society, Pakistan is facing a great challenge and suggested for collective effort to take the prevailing extremism prudently and exchange of academics and other religious scholars between the two countries.
The Dy. Minister of KSA thanked Pakistan for its hospitality and expressed his pleasure to visit Pakistan and conveyed a good will message of Harmain Sharifain for the people of Pakistan. He agreed with suggestions of Pakistan for exchange of Ulemas and Scholars and hoped that with joint collaboration and pragmatic approach the menace of extremism could be handled. He appreciated the role of Pakistan and stressed the need that the Muslim Ummah should come forward to get rid off extremism. He said that Saudi Government is aware of the situation, adding that we have no need to take dictation of any outsider but to deal the situation under own circumstances.
The under process Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries was also came under discussion. The Saudi side proposed that a training programme for the religious scholars and preachers should be launched through joint venture in order to mould the public opinion. He emphasized that the curriculum of the primary education particularly in Seminaries should be devised in line with the modern techniques. He suggested that open dialogue, Seminars and Workshop should be held between working groups to promote the interaction as well as maintain close liaison between the two countries.
Secretary M/O Religious Affairs, Agha Sarwar, Raza Qazalbash was also present on this occasion and thanked the Saudi Government for extending its support and facilities to the Pakistani Hujjaj. He stressed for holding of frequent meetings and exchange of delegation to overview the sensitive areas. He informed that the present government was monitoring the activities of the madrassas and expressed hope that in collaboration with Saudi Government the condition of the madrassas would be improved.
PR No. 219
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 18th March, 2010
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has appointed Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh as his Advisor on Finance.Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has a Ph.D in Economics and has authored many publications. He is an Economist of international repute with over 30 years of experience in economic policymaking, management and implementation.
He was a highly regarded member of the Senate of Pakistan and was Chairman of the Senate’s Committee on World Trade Organization.
His work experience includes:-
Former Member of the Senate of Pakistan
World Bank, where he was country head for Saudi Arabia and as a Senior Official advised 21 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America.
Minister for Finance, Planning and Development, Sindh 2000-2002
Federal Minister for Investment and Privatization, Pakistan 2003-2006
General Partner, International Investment Fund
Dr. Hafeez Shaikh had a highly successful tenure as Minister for Finance, Planning & Development in Sindh Province during 2000-2002. He was the architect of the financial recovery of Sindh, restoring financial discipline, reducing taxes, increasing revenues, paying over Rs 20 Billion of old bills, clearing the overdraft of State Bank of Pakistan of Rs 11 Billion, increasing allocation for poverty alleviation, social sector and development and enhancing relationship of Sindh Government with international donor agencies.
His three years as the Federal Minister for Privatization & Investment were the most successful in Pakistan’s history. 34 transactions worth over US $ 5 Billion were completed in a transparent fashion. The period saw foreign direct Investment increase from $ 1 Billion to $ 5 Billion. He was awarded Pakistan’s “Man of the Year” in 2004 by the business community in recognition of his contributions to the country.
Dr. Shaikh’s international experience includes assignments in Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Romania, Czech Republic, Iran, Kuwait, Argentina, Bangladesh, Jordan, Qatar, Malta, Botswana, Tanzania, Ghana and Libya.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 220
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 18th March, 2010
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has appointed Senator Mian Raza Rabbani as Advisor to the Prime Minister.Mian Raza Rabbani is presently the Deputy Secretary General of PPP. He is also the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms. He was Federal Minister of State for Law and Justice (1994-1996). He earlier held the portfolio as Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination in the present government.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 221
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 18th March, 2010The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Ordinance would be re-promulgated in a way to bring coherence between the Authority and the Federal government as decided by the Federal Cabinet last year. This was stated by the Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim while presiding over a meeting regarding the re-promulgation of TDAP Ordinance. The meeting was attended by Secretary Commerce Zafar Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) TDAP Syed Mohib Ullah Shah and officers from both the Ministry of Commerce and the Authority. The meeting was called to review the existing Ordinance, and to see where improvements could be brought to make TDAP an effective Organization. The Minister further stated that after taking approval from the Cabinet, the draft Ordinance would be taken to the Parliament for giving it legislative cover. The CEO gave a detailed presentation regarding working of the Authority and its present status. The meeting was told that doing business was the job of the private sector, and the Federal Government is to support the business community. The Commerce Minister expressed that democratic governments believe in collective wisdom, and the standing committees on Commerce in both the houses would be taken into confidence on the draft ordinance.
**SH/Ahmad**
PR No. 222
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 18th March, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that present government realizes the need for effective measure to control environmental degradation, has taken a number of steps to improve the situation through enactment of legislation, institutional and policy development, creation of awareness and involvement of stakeholders as well as development of appropriate standards and regulations. He expressed these views while addressing in a seminar on “Pakistan’s environmental crisis and their solutions” arranged by the environmental club of International Islamic University, Islamabad, here today.
Federal Minister said that environmental problems of Pakistan are evident from deterioration of forest, land degradation, desertification, vanishing biodiversity as well as air and water pollution. Many of these issues are further compounded by the impacts of climate change. He further told that according to world-bank’s conservative estimates the environmental degradation costs the country at least 6 percent of GDP or about Rs. 365 billion per year. The highest cost is from inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene (RS.112 billion) followed by agricultural soil degradation (Rs. 70 billion) and indoor air pollution (Rs. 67 billion) Urban air pollution (particulate matter) adds another Rs. 65 billion. The estimated cost of lead exposure is about Rs. 45 billion. Rangeland degradation and deforestation cost are the lowest at about 7 billion Rs. In total. In simple words it comes to a billion rupees a day. Moreover, in Pakistan, as elsewhere, environmental degradation is both a cause and consequence of poverty, he added.
He said that Climate change is one of the important conventions for Pakistan because Pakistan is most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The government is therefore focusing on the development of an appropriate climate change policy and adaptation and mitigation strategies to combat climate change in Pakistan. For this purpose a high level climate change task force was established which has finalized its report and the work on the development policies and strategies would be initiated in the light of the findings of the task force. Afridi informed that Pakistan was one of the first few countries in the world which prepared a National Conservation Strategy (NCS) before the Earth Summit in 1992.
On this occasion Minister for Environment highlighted the major achievements and initiatives of the Government including the development of policies and strategies like National Environmental Policy, National Sanitation Policy, Drinking Water Policy, Clean Development Mechanism Strategy, Draft National Forest Policy and Energy Conservation Policy. He also told about establishment of green clubs. Likewise Federal Minister told about tree plantation campaigns in which students, Police, Pakistan Army, public and private organizations and other relevant stakeholders are involved for this national cause. Furthermore, Government also drafted a comprehensive and permanent legislation on environment replacing Environmental Protection Ordinance, 1983 with the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997. The National Environmental Quality Standards [NEQS] were approved in 1993 for liquid, solids, and gaseous emissions. National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) were reviewed and revised in late 1990s in consultation with the industry, environmental experts and other stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of these standards in the country. He also said that Pakistan has made significant progress in strengthening the institutions responsible for environmental management at the national level such as Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency and Provincial Environmental Protection Agencies. It has also established Environmental Tribunals and Environment Section in the Planning and Development Division.
Federal Minister for Environment announced during his address that 2000 saplings would be provided to the environment club of IIU by the Ministry. He urged that academia and the youth of Pakistan can play very important role in contributing to the efforts of the government of Pakistan to address environmental problems on sound footings thus ensuring sustainable socio-economic development of the country. He ensured all possible cooperation and coordination at every level in this regard. Earlier, Zafeer Saqib, Advisor Environment Club IIU, Ilyas Hussain, Secretary General Environment Club IIU, Rizwan Faiz Muhammad, Students Advisor also addressed on this occasion. Federal Minister also planted a sapling in International Islamic University.
PR No. 223
PRESS RELEASE
PMTF ENGINEERS SUCCEEDED IN PRODUCING LATEST
DIAMOND WIRE SAW CUTTING MACHINE
Islamabad 18th March, 2010Federal Minister for Industries & Production, Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani has expressed his full support towards resolving issues currently being faced by Pakistan Machine Tool Factory (PMTF) Karachi. He was speaking during his first visit to the company in Karachi today, according to a press release received from Karachi.
On arrival he was welcomed by Managing Director PMTF Muhammad Saleem Rajput and other officials. Minister witnessed production activities underway in various shops of the Factory. He was briefed about the pride achievements of the unit in developing indigenously, CNC Machine Tools and recently produced latest Diamond Wire Saw cutting machine by its experienced professional’s team of engineers. He also planted a tree in the premises of PMTF.
On this occasion, Performance, Problems and Constraints faced by PMTF were apprised to Minister during a presentation with the suggestion to overcome the same seeking help from Federal Government.
Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani reiterated all out efforts in getting desired government facilitation for rationale improvement and up-gradation of PMTF to make it a viable and profitable organization.
PR No. 224
PRESS RELEASE
MEETING ON PAKISTAN-USA STRATEGIC DIALOGUE
Islamabad 18th March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the forthcoming Pakistan-USA Strategic Dialogue need to cover full spectrum of relationship to establish the confidence of the people. He asked for mutually developing a periodic review mechanism/regime to monitor the decisions taken in the strategic dialogue so that there is visible impact in areas of relevance to ordinary people as well as efforts to fight terrorism.
The Prime Minister was addressing the second session of the high level meeting to develop a comprehensive, coherent and well coordinated approach for the forthcoming Pakistan-USA strategic dialogue scheduled on 24th March in Washington. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister House here this afternoon.
Earlier while briefing the meeting, the Minister for Foreign Affairs highlighted the broad policy parameters vis-à-vis the Pakistan-USA strategic dialogue. He mentioned that three tiers have been identified for the dialogues which were ministerial level, secretary level and sectoral level (for specific areas of cooperation). The Foreign Secretary in his presentation elaborated upon subjects covering diplomatic, security, economic and social sectors.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Petroleum Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Water & Power Raja Parvaiz Ashraf, Minister of Sate for Finance and EAD Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, Special Assistant to PM on Social Sector Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Special Assistant to PM on Water & Power Mr. Kamal Majeedullah, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, Secretaries, Foreign Affairs, Petroleum, Water & Power, Commerce, Defence, Food and Agriculture, Finance, Information Technology, Science & Technology, Education and Interior attended the meeting.
PR No. 225
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 18th March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani jointly called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Matters relating to strategic dialogue with the United States and war against militants were discussed during the meeting.
PR No. 226
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 18th March, 2010Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Tariq Majid called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here this afternoon and discussed the security situation and professional matters of the armed forces.
PR No. 227
PRESS RELEASE
PC PLANNING US $ 500 MILLION THROUGH CONVERTIBLE
BONDS OF OGDCL’s 5 % SHARES-Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan
Islamabad 18th March, 2010The Privatisation Commission (PC) is planning to get US $ 500 million through convertible bonds of Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL). Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan Federal Minister for Privatisation said while briefing the media persons regarding the proceedings of the first meeting of the reconstituted 15 members Privatisation Commission’s Board meeting here today.
He further stated that various proposals of exchangeable and convertible bonds were being analyzed with lowest coupon rate and maximum premium to remove burden on national exchequer. The government was targeting around US $ 500 million within the shortest span of time of four weeks, he added.
The Minister said that formal Requests for Proposal were being sent to 10 holistic and World’s reputable financial institutions including Citibank, J P Morgan, Nomura Investment Inc; UK, Barclays Bank, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, Merrill lynch and others.
Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan Federal Minister for Privatisation stated that untiring efforts would be made to explore all avenues for value addition of our national assets. After completing the due diligence Ministries of Petroleum & Natural Resources and Finance would also be taken on board to proceed further.
The Minister indicated that Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Convertible or Exchangeable bonds of OGDCL and Jamshoro Power Company (JPC) were on the active list among other entities.
He said that invitation was being extended to assess the market appetite prior to extending formal Expression of Interest (EOI) for Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO). Entities approved by Council of Common Interest (CCI) and Cabinet Committee on Privatisation were being taken forward after necessary restructuring through Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the value addition of our assets and for the benefit of the country, he added.
Referring to the details of the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL)’s outstanding issues, Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan said a meeting of the inter-ministerial Committee constituted by the Prime Minister including him, Syed Naveed Qamar Federal Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources and Mr. Qamar Zaman Kiara Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting met yesterday decided to make concentrated efforts for early receipt of the due installments amount of US $ 800 million to facilitate PTCL in accordance with the SPA signed for the transfer of remaining properties, which also included private and some of them with the provinces.
The meeting of the recently reconstituted and expanded 15 members Board of Privatisation Commission held under the chairmanship of Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan Federal Minister for Privatisation. Besides the introduction of new members of the PC Board, the meeting reviewed the implementation status of the decisions taken during the last meeting. The new members were briefed about the activities and the functioning of the Privatisation Commission.
Mr. Shahab Khawaja Federal Secretary Privatisation, PC Board members, senior officials of the respective Ministries /departments and PC officials and Consultants were present during the meeting.
PR No. 228
PRESS RELEASE
CDWP MEETING
Islamabad 18th March, 2010A meeting of the CDWP was held under the chairmanship of the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission today. The CDWP approved 74 projects costing Rs 510.2 billion including foreign assistance component of Rs 125.1 billion.
36 projects costing Rs 326.0 billion are of Infrastructure sector and 26 projects costing Rs 158.0 billion are of social sector and 12 projects costing Rs 26.3 billion relate to Agriculture & Industry Sector.
With implementation of 6 power sector projects costing Rs 87 billion, shortage of power in the country would be controlled by efficient distribution and enhancement system of electricity by DESCOs. The CDWP also considered 5 projects of water sector including Chashma Right Bank Canal costing Rs 61 billion located in NWFP with capacity to irrigate additional about 300,000 acres of land was approved. A Committee under chairmanship of Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission will finalize technical and financial details. Six (6) Flood dispersal Structures on Nari River (Phase-I-II in Balochistan was also cleared. In addition, other small water sector projects relating to flood management and control were also considered.
Sixteen projects of Transport & Communication sector with a total cost of Rs 56.6 billion including mainly projects of Gwadar Deep Sea Water Port, Extension of M-4, Rehabilitation of Rasheed Wagon – Nasirabad Roads, Karachi Transport Improvement Projects, Kolpur Bypass and Bridge Across River Swan linking Attock & Chakwal were approved.
Main projects of Social Sector include mega vertical projects of Health Sector to provide improved health facilities to the masses. In this connection 3 projects with a cost of Rs 93.7 billion approved namely Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), GAVI Grant), National Programme for Family Planning & Primary Health Care. “The Lady Health Workers’ Program costing Rs 53.0 billion was approved (Phase-II), and Prime Minister’s Program for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis was also approved. Under President Development Package for NWFP, CDWP approved projects costing Rs 2.0 billion for Medical Equipment, Ambulances for DHQ Hospitals in NWFP. Blood Transfusion services will be started all over the country.
Under President’s package for NWFP, one thousand primary schools will be established in various districts of NWFP. Cost of project is Rs 3.7 billion. The project will help promote basic education in the conflict affected areas of NWFP especially Female Education.
Agriculture Sector plays a pivotal role in development of economy. Main projects approved/recommended today include ‘Pak-China Cooperation for Agricultural Research and Development (Phase-II)’ and ‘Pak-China National Project for Improved Rice Processing’ which will assist in enhancing three to four times wheat, Sugarcane Production. Storage projects such as “Grain Storage Project Construction of Steel Silos of 650000 Metric Ton and Pak-China National Project for CA and Advanced Ventilated Cold Storage will enhance storage capacity by 6, 50,000 MT. This will also save food wastage.
REKO DIQ Gold / Copper project costing 8.7 billion was approved. It will produce 38,000 Tons of copper, 15,000 ounces of Gold per year. Upon completion, income from the project will be about Rs 15.0 billion per year.
The CDWP also conceptually cleared projects Establishment of Facilities for Coal Cleaning, Coal Gasification and Coal Combustion Project to Improve Financial Reporting and Auditing (PIFRA-II) (Phase-II), Establishment of 268 Bedded DHQ Hospital Multan and Establishment of Child Health Care Institutes at Karachi and Sukkur.
Of the 74 projects, 63 projects costing Rs 365 billion will be financed by the federal government through federal PSDP. Eleven projects costing Rs 145 billion will be financed by the provinces through respective provincial ADP.
PR No. 229
PRESS RELEASE
PARLIAMENTARIANS MEET PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad 18th March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani stressed upon timely completion of ongoing public welfare projects both at local and higher level. The welfare and convenience of the people he said is the ultimate objective of the government for which all possible support would be extended by the government.
The Prime Minister was talking to a group of Parliamentarians who called on him at his chamber in Parliament House this evening.
The Prime Minister asked the Parliamentarians to personally monitor the development projects in their respective areas and also identify the problems so that appropriate measures could be taken to ensure the progress as per schedule.
The Parliamentarian apprised the Prime Minister about the problems and difficulties of their respective areas. Prime Minister told the Parliamentarians that his government will provide requisite funds for the development projects despite financial crunch.
Syed Khurshid Shah, Minister for Labour and Manpower, Ms. Faryal Talpur, Senator Abdul Razik and Senator Waqar Ahmed also met the Prime Minister.
PR No. 230
PRESS RELEASE
NHA & MALAYSIAN FIRM INK CONTRACT FOR SHAHDARA FLYOVER
Islamabad 18th March, 2010Federal Minister for Communications has said that Shahdara Flyover project on N-5, in Lahore, will be completed in a period of approximately 3 years costing approx.Rs. 10 billion. He said this at the agreement signing ceremony for building Shahdara flyover. The agreement was signed between National Highway Authority and a Malaysian construction firm here at Ministry of Communication. The agreement was signed by Chairman NHA, Altaf Ahmad Chaudhry and Managing Director ACIL, Dato Jimmy NG Keng Joo.
On this occasion, while talking to the media, Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan said, this 6 lane, 6 km long flyover will serve as elevated expressway. Under the project, one flyover will be built at the Shahdara Chowk while the other will be provided at the Railway Crossing. He added that this project will enhance Foreign Direct Investment in Pakistan and build investor’s confidence in Pakistan. He further said that the project will not only help reduce traffic load ensuring smooth flow of traffic on this critical point but also create job opportunities for the local people.
Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan said, the present leadership is attaching great importance to develop the communication sector and to this effect, a comprehensive and coordinated program is being implemented for construction, extension & maintenance of national highway, motorways, expressways and strategic roads as well throughout the country. He further said “we are committed to promote agricultural, industrial sector and tourist industry by spreading a road network in the country that would ultimately pave the way to stabilize the national economy. Our endeavor is to complete the assignments within scheduled time frame as per world standard of construction”. He expected that the construction firm of Malaysia will utilize the latest construction techniques to realize the flyover project and said that completion of the flyover will fulfill a long standing demand of the people of Lahore, he added. Chairman, while giving the details of the project said that it is a great moment that a NHA is inking an agreement with a foreign country, which will give boost to economic activity and go a long way in enhancing the friendly relations between Pakistan and Malaysia..